Most dengue cases from SoBo; situation could worsen post rains

South Mumbai has emerged as the hotbed of dengue in the city this year and most cases in September were reported from Byculla, Mazagaon, Dockyard road and areas in Mumbai Central (E ward), according to civic body figures.

According to civic records, 44 of 189 dengue cases in September were reported from the E ward. (see box).

Dr Arun Bamne, executive health officer, BMC, said officials are analysing the factors contributing to the rise in these areas. “Upper middle class and middle-class homes in the city are breeding sites for the Aedes mosquito, responsible for the transmission of dengue,” said Dr Bamne.

There has been a steep rise in the number of dengue cases this year. As of September, the number of dengue cases reported was 451, as against 416 in the whole of 2011. While there have been three dengue deaths in the city since January, 17 people from across Maharashtra have succumbed to the disease since April.

According to Dr Mangala Gomare, epidemiologist, BMC, construction sites and mill lands are sites of mosquitoes breeding. “Storage of fresh water at homes also becomes an apt breeding site. People should empty all water storage facilities at least once a week,” said Gomare.

With rains beginning to recede, Dr Gomare said the city would witness a rise in the number of dengue cases, common during this part of the year.

Dr Abhay Chowdhary, director, Haffkine Institute, Parel, said the BMC should study the variations in human population and their movement, and the number of breeding places in the city. “There is need to study density of the Aedes mosquito in the city.”